The Hopkins boys’ varsity basketball team claimed its second victory in three tries this season with a tight 45-44 victory Wednesday night over host Hamilton in the Hawkeyes’ holiday tournament.

The Vikings tonight at 7:30 will play in the second round of the tournament at Hamilton against Class A Grandville.

The win was the second for new coach Jake Jewitt, whose team has been involved in all three games decided by six points or fewer.

He said junior forward “Nolan Smith energized the Vikings with tremendous effort and toughness on defense while Josh Sapp was the most consistent scorer, contributing 12 points. Both Hunter Lewellyn and Colin Weber hit clutch shots in the final minutes to close out the Hawkeyes.”

After tonight’s ballgame, Hopkins will resume regular season play Tuesday, Jan. 2, at its home court against Grand Rapids West Catholic and will begin O-K Silver Conference action Friday, Jan 5, at Belding.